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This is an ongoing series, breaking down each position in Arizona, leading up the 2017 high school football season.
The linebackers in this state keep getting bigger, stronger, faster and more powerful. There is no shortage, as Arizona features some of the most versatile defenders.
Here is a look at my top 10 linebackers:
No. 10 – Bub Dixon, Phoenix Sunnyslope, 6-1, 235, Jr.
He’ll have to show that he is back from a shoulder injury. Dixon has all the tools to make him special and put him on major college recruiting boards. He had 26 solo tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries in eight games last season.
No. 9 – Milton Rodgers, Goodyear Desert Edge, 5-10, 215, Jr.
He led one of the state’s strongest defenses last year as a sophomore. With improved speed and power, Rodgers will be the motor of a 5A contending team. He had 10 tackles for losses and four sacks last season. Plays with great passion and fearlessness.
No. 8 – Zach Bowers, Chandler, 6-0, 215, Jr.
Coaches at Chandler have been raving about this guy since his freshman year. And he hasn’t disappointed with his work habits and leadership. Bowers has grown since his sophomore year and is ready to become a playmaker on defense for the 6A champs.
No. 7 – Larry Davis, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-1, 233, Sr.
Last year’s leading tackler, Davis looks to clog the middle again with his ability to break free from blocks and blast backs. He has good instincts and power to fend off big guards.
No. 6 – Jordan Ware, Peoria Centennial, 6-1, 205, Sr.
He is a hybrid player who can move from linebacker to strong safety. He is expected to be this year’s version of John Rincon for the Coyotes, who rode the strong play of Rincon two years ago to the state title at the highest level. Ware is a playmaker who loves to hit.
Scottsdale Saguaro has to build up an offensive line depleted by graduation but the Sabercats are still stacked with talent. Video: Richard Obert/azcentral sports
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Hamilton still is engulfed in the hazing case, while Chandler gets ready to climb nationally
Richard Obert/azcsports
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High academic school in its first year for football aspires to be the Stanford of the Chandler Unified School District
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The new AIA executive director addresses biggest needs, challenges in Arizona high school sports.
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When high school junior Troy Delgado was homeless, there were days that school meals were the only ones he could rely on. Now, he’s planning to go to college.
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Corbin Smith, the son of former Arizona football coach Larry Smith, has brought in assistants whom he feels will help McClintock get back to respectability on the football field
Wochit
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With Rich Wellbrock at the helm, the Chandler Basha football program is being reconstructed with a quicker pace.
Wochit
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A closer look at the 2017 Chandler Wolves. Video: azcentral sports
Wochit
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Spring football is time for Chandler’s talented additions to mesh with defending state champs. Richard Obert/azcentral sports
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Zidane Thomas leads title contenders into new season.
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McClintock coach Corbin Smith talks about having his players locked in during spring football as the new coaches try to bring back the school’s lost football glory on Wednesday. Richard Obert/azcentral sports
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Arizona football recruits Andrew Nichols of Centennial High, Adam Bay of Desert Ridge High, Bryce Gilbert of Higley High, and Tyler Johnson of Highland High on where they will be playing college football next year. David Wallace/azcentral sports
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Saguaro football begins its ‘drive for five’
Hamilton, Chandler open football practice under different spotlights
Arizona College Prep football laying the foundation
David Hines tackles high school sports issues
High school athlete overcomes homelessness to be three-sport standout
McClintock HS Football, Bringing back tradition
Chandler Basha football players adjusting to new coach
Chandler football, the team looks locked and loaded
Chandler football ready for another title run
Centennial preparing for another big football season
McClintock’s Smith: ‘What matters to me is the history of this school’
National Signing Day – Arizona recruits on where they will be playing college football
No. 5 – Vince Elrod, Scottsdale Notre Dame, 6-2, 215, Sr.
He had 121 tackles and four sacks last season and spent the latter half of the season injured. He has gotten faster and stronger. Elrod figures to be the anchor of one of the state’s top defenses. He has the motor and the leadership qualities to make the Saints a 5A contender.
No. 4 – Cade Matthews, Gilbert Higley, 6-1, 215, Sr.
Versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside. He will rack up the tackles and change the game with his hits that create turnovers. Tenacious hitter who will improve the defense and give it a shot in 4A against Saguaro.
No. 3 – Giovanni Miranda, Scottsdale Saguaro, 6-4, 205, Sr.
He is being recruited by some colleges as a tight end but others like him as an outside linebacker because of his athleticism and nose for the ball. Quick, with good lateral movement, Miranda could wind up as Saguaro’s most valuable player as it tries to capture a fifth consecutive state championship.
No. 2 – Brayden Flynn, Chandler, 6-3, 220, Sr.
If Flynn doesn’t have to sit out the first five games after transferring from Chandler Hamilton, watch out. The outside linebacker is ready to have a huge season following the 80 tackles and 14.5 sacks he had in 2016. He has tremendous burst off the edge and can drop back and cover. Chandler needs this guy all season.
No. 1 – Calib McRae, Marana Mountain View, 6-1, 227, Jr.
An injury shortened his season to four varsity games last year. But he made an impact when he was on the field with 39 tackles and two sacks. At full bore, McRae is ready to break out and show why he is the best linebacker in the state.
MORE PREVIEWS: Top 10 story lines as official practice begins
MORE PREVIEWS: Top 10 teams ready to crash the party
MORE PREVIEWS: Top 10 offensive linemen
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.
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